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Running back LaMichael James’ first return of the 2014 season came last week.

James, the 49ers’ kickoff and punt returner, has been participating in practices after spending the first three weeks of the offseason program in his native Texas, multiple sources confirmed. The Sacramento Bee first reported James’ return. James forfeited his $50,000 workout bonus because of his absence.

LaMichael James. (AP)

James’ absence came after a 2013 season in which he had just 12 carries and expressed thinly veiled dissatisfaction on Twitter with his limited offensive role. In April, a source said James would welcome a trade, which fueled speculation his decision to stay in Texas was a form of protest. But Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke pointed to the birth of James’ first child as the reason he wasn’t in Santa Clara.

Baalke has refuted a report the 49ers have tried to deal James this offseason and hailed his work as a returner earlier this month. In 2013, James averaged 10.9 yards per punt return, which ranked 14th in the NFL, and 26.8 yards on 12 kickoffs.

“LaMichael did an excellent job for us a year ago and it’s his job along with the running back position,” Baalke said. “So, we don’t feel an urgency to go out and replace LaMichael at all. I’m very, very excited about what he brings. First year as a punt returner averaging over 10.”

The 49ers pursued several wide receivers who double as returners during free agency, most notably Devin Hester, who ranks first in league history in punt-return touchdowns and fifth in kickoff-return scores. Julian Edelman, who visited the 49ers, ranks first among active players in yards per punt return (12.3).